Bridal Lessons - Chapter 84
Side Story IV
“Isca, would you like to come to my house?”
“Sure.”
It was a holiday at the academy. Iscarion nodded at Theodore’s suggestion, having no special plans for the day. Although their friendship had blossomed over time, it was their first visit to each other’s homes.
“My mother really loves flowers.”
On the way to the entrance of the Dana estate, flower trees lined the path. As they rode in the carriage, petals fluttering around, Theodore added an explanation.
“There’s a big garden inside the house too. My mother’s flower garden is almost bigger than the house itself. She hasn’t been able to tend to it as much since having a baby less than a year ago…”
“I see.”
“Oh, this is my sister, Rosénia. Want to see?”
Without waiting for Iscarion’s response, Theodore took out a locket necklace from his chest and showed it to him. Inside the locket was a portrait of a chubby-cheeked baby smiling adorably like a rosy apple. Theodore boasted with a hint of pride.
“Isn’t she cute? We named her after a flower.”
At that moment, the coachman announced their arrival at the County residence. As they stepped out of the carriage and approached the mansion, a butler who had spotted them from afar hurried over. He had come to inform Theodore that the Count was looking for him.
“Young Master, the Count is expecting you.”
“My father?”
“Yes, he asked to be informed as soon as you arrived.”
“Isca, go inside first. I’ll join you soon.”
With a nod from Iscarion, Theodore followed the butler towards the eastern building where the Count’s office was located. After Theodore disappeared, a servant of the Count’s estate approached Iscarion and politely suggested,
“Your Highness, may I show you to the drawing room?”
“No, I’ll wait here.”
Iscarion replied, slowly looking around.
“Would you like to take a stroll in the rear garden while you wait?”
“I’ll take a short walk.”
Declining the offer to be shown around, Iscarion walked towards the garden entrance alone. The garden of the Dana estate was in full bloom, filled with beautiful flowers heralding the arrival of spring.
Thanks to the Countess’s love for flowers and her deep knowledge of gardening, the garden was adorned with various roses in full bloom, as well as exotic flowers from across the sea, creating a dazzling display of color.
However, the breathtaking scenery and the pleasant fragrance of flowers failed to stir any excitement in him. Perhaps it was because he had been surrounded by dazzling things from birth. Having the means to acquire anything he wanted without feeling a sense of lack might have rendered him uninterested in everything.
As Iscarion was about to exit the rose garden after a short walk, he heard a gentle voice as soft as the petals of the flowers.
“Sweetie. My good baby, aren’t you just the prettiest?”
“Umm, maaa!”
“Good girl, did you call mommy?”
Turning towards the sound, he saw the Countess gently rocking a stroller and soothing a baby. She lifted the baby, who was not yet walking, and showed her the flowers in full bloom around them.
“Rosie, look. These are geraniums, pansies, begonias… Aren’t they pretty? Which flower do you like best?”
The baby babbled unintelligibly and laughed. Pointing her tiny fingers at different flowers, the Countess held her tightly with a joyful expression.
“But there’s no flower as pretty as our little Rosén, right?”
“Uung, byaa!”
Watching this scene made Iscarion’s heart stir inexplicably.
Was he belatedly intoxicated by the sweet scent of the flowers? Or was it that he was captivated by the doll-like baby wearing a lace bonnet in the Countess’s arms?
The sound of her laughter, like little marbles rolling, inexplicably shook him. He found himself unable to look away from that scene.
Adorable.
It was the first time he had ever felt such an emotion.
